Axé WorldFest was founded on the principles of positivity, life force, and collaboration. Our fifth-annual conference takes these concepts to heart with our motivating theme of Rise, Connect, Create – EWIMI5. It encourages people to reach their potential, work with others, and build something beautiful that makes our industries stronger and more equitable.
This three-day conference brings together industry leaders and emerging talent to forge connections and spark new project ideas. Through panels, workshops, speed meetings, mentorship, showcases, networking events, and after-parties, the conference amplifies the voices and experiences of women and lifts up all genders.
The conference takes place in venues around the National Capital, providing economic opportunities to cultural workers and local businesses.
The National Arts Centre has been our presenting partner since 2022, supporting the celebration and advancement of women in the music industry.
LabO / Ottawa Art Gallery
Room Oxum (2201)
1pm - Meet the Axé Team - A brief introduction
1:15 pm - Indigenous Voices in Music: Preserving Culture, Amplifying Stories, and Reclaiming Identity
In this powerful session, Shoshona Kish, alongside fellow Indigenous musician, activist, and cultural leader, Amanda Rheaume will delve into the intersection of music, culture, and identity within Indigenous communities.
2:30pm - Panel: Voices Without Borders: International Women Music Leaders Shaping the Global Industry - Host Mercedes Caxaj
Panel Guests:
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Sonia Aviles - Ibero-American meeting for women - Mexico
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Sylvia Lopez - Old Town School of Folk Music - Chicago
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Tâmara Jacinto - Festival Coma - Brazil
4pm Guided Bus Networking Tour down the Ottawa Canal to see the tulips at the Commissioners Park, Rideau Canal, then circle around the Parliament.
LabO / Ottawa Art Gallery
Room Oxum (2201)
10am-11:45am - Meet the funders - GRANT WRITING ROUND TABLE
Moderators: Treasa Levasseur and Jaymie Karn (Folk Canada)
Various Officers from public funding that supports Canadian artists and arts organizations will be invited to this activity
12pm to 1pm - LUNCH BREAK
Recommended OAG Cafe and/or Walk around the Ottawa Art Gallery on Exhibition rooms.
1pm - Keynote Address: Empowering Communities Through Music and Arts: The Vision of Priscila Santana | Programming Operations Manager, SummerStage and Charlie Parker Jazz Festival
Followed by Q&A In this powerful keynote address, Priscila Santana, a prominent arts leader and advocate from the SummerStage Festival and Columbia University in New York City, will share her inspiring vision of how public arts and cultural programs can transform communities, empower youth, and strengthen urban neighbourhoods. As a leader dedicated to expanding access to creative opportunities for underserved populations, Priscila will discuss the pivotal role of music and the arts in shaping a sense of belonging and collective identity in urban spaces.
2pm - Panel: Creating Connection: Kimmortal’s Journey of Building Community, Solidarity, and Relatability Through Social Media - Co-presented by CKCU & Beyond City Beats
Through authentic storytelling, vulnerability, and a commitment to amplifying often underrepresented voices, Kimmortal has built a loyal, engaged following. This discussion will dive deep into how they leverage social media to create a sense of belonging, challenge societal norms, and build a bridge between their personal journey and the lived experiences of their audience.
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2:50pm - Alchemy of Sound - Exploring the Art and Technology of Music Production with Alysha Brilla
Music is a global tool for connection, healing and storytelling across cultures and history. In this masterclass, award-winning producer Alysha Brilla guides you through the essentials of modern music production while reconnecting to the ancient roots of sound. Learn how to craft powerful recordings using technology as an extension of your creativity and leave with both new skills and a deeper understanding of your role as a sonic storyteller.
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3:30pm - Afro-Brazilian percussion & dance workshop with Flávia Nascimento
Discover the rhythms of Brazil with Flávia Nascimento! This immersive vivência invites you to experience Afro-Brazilian percussion: vibrant drums, songs in Portuguese, and circle dancing. Let her contagious energy guide you on a true musical journey — closing the daytime activities with Axé energy.
3:30pm - Afro-Brazilian percussion & dance workshop with Flávia Nascimento
Discover the rhythms of Brazil with Flávia Nascimento! This immersive vivência invites you to experience Afro-Brazilian percussion: vibrant drums, songs in Portuguese, and circle dancing. Let her contagious energy guide you on a true musical journey — closing the daytime activities with Axé energy.
